Test-taking Strategies Dealing with Test Anxiety Trenholm State Technical College Student Success Center Dr. Rebecca Ball-Coats rcoats@trenholmstate.edu (334) 420-4464 Mr. Damon K. Blythe dkblythe@trenholmstate.edu (334) 420-4463

Test-taking Strategies Survey and prepare Read directions Types of questions review

Survey and Prepare Read over entire test Read instructions CAREFULLY Figure out how much time you need to spend on each section Do a “mind dump” on scratch paper Take a deep breath and keep a positive outlook Read entire test to get a feel for what types of questions are asked so that you know what strategies to put into place. Also, look at what content you are being asked about. Read instructions. Sometimes you may be asked to choose ONE multiple choice answer; other times you may be able to choose ANY that fit. Budget your TIME! Once you know what’s being asked, answer in a specific order: those answers you know, then those worth the most points, then the remainder of your time on those that are more difficult. Do a “mind dump”: write definitions, mnemonic devices, anything you think you may forget in the stress of the test. Take a minute to write down info on scratch paper before you get started. RELAX! You know this stuff! Keep a positive outlook—you know the material, you’re learning the strategies, and you can be confident about the test.

Read Directions Be sure to read ALL the directions! Make sure you know what you’re being asked. Matching Write the Response Draw a Line True/False Multiple Choice One Answer Mark All that Apply Fill in the Blank Short Answer Essay Math Directions quiz handout

Types of Questions Matching: This is often the easiest and best place to start. True/False Watch out for absolutes: all, none, etc. The more detail, the more likely to be true Multiple Choice: Read the ENTIRE question, paying attention to details. Try to answer BEFORE looking at your answer options Answer what you know Process of Elimination Qualifiers: always, never, none, all, except, etc. Grammar clues: a/an, plural, etc. Context clues http://www.lethbridgecollege.net/elearningcafe/index.php/studyskills/vocabulary- development/context-clues-exercises Matching: You eliminate answers simply by answering them! True/False: You have a 50/50 chance! If you don’t know—guess! Multiple Choice: What comes to mind first is often the correct answer. Have confidence in yourself! Context Clues: Fold paper (follow directions) and hold up your answer to the questions

Types of Questions Fill in the Blank: again, context clues and read carefully If you’re not sure, but you remember something, write it down. You may get partial credit. Consider the number of lines to be filled in, if more than one. Be general, if you’re not sure: 2000s instead of 2005 Grammar clues, as with multiple choice (a/an, plurals) Short Answer: restate the question and look back at your “mind dump” notes Use the same strategies here as with Fill in the Blank questions Essay Questions Read carefully and look for key words: discuss, define, compare, etc. Outline first and Proofread last Restate the question and look back to your notes again Remember, essays are not only about what you know but how well you can explain/describe it to your reader

Types of Questions Math Questions The same strategies apply! Do a “mind dump” of formulas and rules Pay attention to + and – signs Show all of your work Put a box around your answer so your instructor can find it easily Don’t get bogged down—do the easy questions first, then budget your time Review to make sure you have answered what the question is asking— especially with word problems

Review Leave time to review your test before you turn it in/submit it Did you answer EVERY question? Don’t change any answers unless you are 150% sure you made a mistake, usually this only happens when: You realize you read the question incorrectly and gave an answer that wasn’t what was asked for You found the correct answer somewhere later on the test Take another deep breath and SMILE—you’re done!! 

Dealing with Test Anxiety Prepare for your test early Relaxation techniques

Preparing For Your Test Early Check your syllabi—know when tests are coming Make study notes Study with classmates and find a tutor if needed Predict possible test questions from your notes Ask questions about items you’re unsure of during an in class test / quiz review Review material periodically—don’t cram, it doesn’t work Study in a test environment—if you usually listen to music but won’t be able to during the test, study without it Tutors available at SSC and SSS Cramming may work short-term for a test, but in the workplace, you’re not going to recall that information when you need it

Relaxation Techniques Take deep breaths Focus on relaxing muscle groups, clench then release from head to toe Talk yourself through the test and visualize finishing successfully Know that you are prepared You have studied You have pen/pencil/any materials needed Have confidence in yourself! You’ve got this!!!

Questions? Trenholm State Technical College Student Success Center Dr. Rebecca Ball-Coats rcoats@trenholmstate.edu (334) 420-4464 Mr. Damon K. Blythe dkblythe@trenholmstate.edu (334) 420-4463